Dinosaur Jr is an American alternative rock band formed in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1984. Originally named Dinosaur prior to legal issues, the band disbanded in 1997 until reuniting in 2005. Guitarist J Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph were the band's founding members; however, Mascis has been the group's sole continual member. Their distinct sound, characterized by high gain, extensive use of feedback and distortion, and frontman J Mascis's melodic guitar solos, were influential in the alternative rock movement of the 1990s, exemplified by the success of acknowledged fans Nirvana. History Formation Mascis and Barlow had previously played together in a hardcore punk band called Deep Wound, which formed in 1982 while the pair were attending high school in Amherst, Massachusetts. By the time they were attending college, they began exploring slower yet still aggressive music such as Black Sabbath, The Replacements